The sentence was announced at Cardiff Crown Court in Wales today (Dec. 18), and hopefully brings at least some small degree of closure and justice to one of the most disturbing stories to emerge from the music world this year.

The Mirror reports that Mr. Justice Royal told Watkins, “You are a sexual predator. You are dangerous. The public, and in particular young females and children, need protection from you." He also said that Watkins “plumb[ed] new depths of depravity” while showing “evident delight” and “an almost complete lack of remorse."

Despite being visibly shaken during the sentencing, Watkins brushed off the horrific nature of his crimes, and reportedly told a friend he considered testifying on his own behalf in court by saying, "'Come on, it wasn't that bad, nobody got hurt." He also suggested that he was "going to put out a statement on the 18th now just to say it was mega lolz (i.e. very funny), I don't know what everyone is getting so freaked out about."

The two women who pleaded guilty along with Watkins for their roles in the crimes were sentenced to 14 and 17 years for their participation in Watkins' crimes, as well as their own actions. Watkins will be eligible for parole in 2033, after two-thirds of his sentence has been served.